NEW YORK CITY CHARTER SCHOOL CENTER WELCOMES BASIL A. SMIKLE, JR. TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEW YORK – The New York City Charter School Center (“Charter Center”) has announced that Basil A. Smikle, Jr., former Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party, has joined the organization’s Board of Directors. Smikle, a highly respected voice in Democratic politics and education policy, joins the Charter Center as the sector continues to grow and flourish. This year, there are 227 public charter schools educating approximately 114,000 students in all five boroughs.

Smikle served as the “second highest ranking Democrat” in New York during his service at the New York State Democratic Party. Prior to his work with the Democratic Party, he served on Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Senate staff as Deputy State Director. Basil currently holds appointments as an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and the City University of New York’s Murphy Institute for Professional Studies. He is also widely recognized as a staunch advocate for public service and educational equity.

“Having been raised by a special education teacher and textile worker in the Bronx, giving all students access to a high-quality public education has been central to my vision of a better society,” said Basil A. Smikle, Jr. “That’s why I am excited to work with the Charter Center to help more great public schools open and secure the resources and support needed to effectively serve NYC schools and families.”

“As a lifelong New Yorker and political activist, Basil will bring fresh perspective and invaluable experience to the Charter Center’s efforts to ensure every student in New York City has access to a great public education,” said James Merriman, CEO of the New York City Charter School Center.